It is a common belief that wealth and weight are correlated, with some assuming that wealthier individuals tend to be slimmer due to their ability to afford healthier food and fitness options, while those with less financial resources may struggle to maintain a healthy weight due to financial barriers to nutritious food and exercise. However, the relationship between money and weight is complex and nuanced, and cannot be reduced to a simple cause-and-effect relationship.
One study found that there is indeed a negative correlation between income and body mass index (BMI), meaning that as income increases, BMI tends to decrease. This relationship was found to be stronger in men than in women and was more pronounced in high-income countries compared to low-income countries. However, this relationship is not necessarily causal, and there are many other factors that may contribute to differences in weight among individuals with different levels of income.
For example, education and occupation may play a role in the relationship between money and weight. Higher levels of education and certain types of occupations, such as those that require physical activity or have flexible work schedules, may be associated with lower BMIs. On the other hand, lower levels of education and certain sedentary occupations may be associated with higher BMIs.
Furthermore, the relationship between money and weight may be influenced by access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity. Wealthier individuals may have greater access to supermarkets and grocery stores that offer a wide variety of healthy food options, as well as access to gyms and other fitness facilities. In contrast, those with lower incomes may live in food deserts, where access to healthy food is limited and may have fewer opportunities for physical activity due to a lack of safe and accessible parks and recreational facilities.
It is also important to consider the role of cultural and societal factors in the relationship between money and weight. In some cultures, being overweight may be viewed as a sign of prosperity and success, while in others, being thin may be seen as a desirable aesthetic. These cultural beliefs may influence an individual’s weight, regardless of income level.
Additionally, stress and mental health can also play a role in the relationship between money and weight. Financial stress and insecurity can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as emotional eating, which can contribute to weight gain. On the other hand, those who are able to afford therapy or other forms of mental health support may be better equipped to cope with stress and maintain a healthy weight.
Overall, while there may be some correlation between money and weight, it is important to consider the many other factors that can influence an individual’s weight, including education, occupation, access to healthy food and physical activity, cultural beliefs, and mental health. Simply having more money does not guarantee a healthy weight, and conversely, being financially disadvantaged does not necessarily mean that an individual will struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
References:
Shuval K, Fennis BM, Li Q, Grinstein A, Morren M, Drope J. Health & Wealth: is weight loss success related to monetary savings in U.S. adults of low-income? Findings from a National Study. BMC Public Health. 2019 Nov 21;19(1):1538. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-7711-3. PMID: 31752798; PMCID: PMC6868859.
